Painting - Can I paint ugly laminate counter tops?
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juliajoe
09-26-04, 12:53 PM
Is there a product that will let me paint my ugly laminate counter tops or am I sentenced to live with smokey brown and gold swirls?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Doug Aleshire
09-26-04, 02:20 PM
juliajoe,
If the laminate is in good condition, not cracking or no chips, then painting it
can be done. In my opinion, I would not consider such an option. My concern is the paint chipping soon after you do all this work. Paint is softer than the plastic laminate and thus would be providing concerns from a health standpoint. Eventually, sooner than later, the appearance of this would look terrible and after going thru the whole process, replacement is more economical and wiser choice.
Proper steps to prepping the counter is essential or all this work will go to waste. Use a product like xylol to ensure that all dirt and grease is gone. Be sure to sued good chemical-resistant gloves; wear a respirator, shut off any pilot lights. This stuff is very toxic and highly flammable. Once this is done, break out 150-grit sandpaper and wipe them down again with xylol. You need a very good primer so that it adheres well and is a good bond for the final coat. One product is XIM; they have several solvent-based products suitable for your application. It is best to have this sprayed on versus using a brush or roller. Once this is applied, let it set for 2 or 3 days to cure. Then lightly sand this with 220-grit paper. At that point, wipe everything down thoroughly and then apply with a latex or oil-based paint. Oil base is better as it is easier to clean and provides a smoother finish.
After you finish this project you will need to treat the tops with moderate care to preserve the new finish. For Kitchens, a cutting board will be mandatory whenever you use a knife and avoid sliding metal cans and other heavy objects across the countertops. Every six months clean the tops, sand them lightly and apply a maintenance coat of clear urethane.
Hope this helps!
If the laminate is in good condition, not cracking or no chips, then painting it
can be done. In my opinion, I would not consider such an option. My concern is the paint chipping soon after you do all this work. Paint is softer than the plastic laminate and thus would be providing concerns from a health standpoint. Eventually, sooner than later, the appearance of this would look terrible and after going thru the whole process, replacement is more economical and wiser choice.
Proper steps to prepping the counter is essential or all this work will go to waste. Use a product like xylol to ensure that all dirt and grease is gone. Be sure to sued good chemical-resistant gloves; wear a respirator, shut off any pilot lights. This stuff is very toxic and highly flammable. Once this is done, break out 150-grit sandpaper and wipe them down again with xylol. You need a very good primer so that it adheres well and is a good bond for the final coat. One product is XIM; they have several solvent-based products suitable for your application. It is best to have this sprayed on versus using a brush or roller. Once this is applied, let it set for 2 or 3 days to cure. Then lightly sand this with 220-grit paper. At that point, wipe everything down thoroughly and then apply with a latex or oil-based paint. Oil base is better as it is easier to clean and provides a smoother finish.
After you finish this project you will need to treat the tops with moderate care to preserve the new finish. For Kitchens, a cutting board will be mandatory whenever you use a knife and avoid sliding metal cans and other heavy objects across the countertops. Every six months clean the tops, sand them lightly and apply a maintenance coat of clear urethane.
Hope this helps!
tae
09-26-04, 06:29 PM
another option is to use melamine paint.
Melamine countertop faux graniteproject:
Melamine countertop faux graniteproject: